Royce K. Crawford

7/1/2013

Royce K. Crawford, 82, of Salina, died Friday, June 28, 2013, at his home. He was born June 16, 1931, in Lincoln, the son of Max L. and Vera M. (Dahl) Crawford.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949 and attended Kansas State University when he was called to service with the U.S. Army in 1952. After the Korean War ended, he returned home and married Marilyn J. Mooneyham in 1955. Royce finished his education at Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia, graduating with a degree in business. As a young man, Royce worked on the Crawford Ranch and managed the farm business until his death. He worked for the Social Security Administration as a field representative in Jefferson City, Mo., and then was transferred to Hays, where he raised his family. Royce appeared regularly on the local news station to answer questions on Social Security topics. This made him a star with the "silver" generation as he was frequently approached while out in the community. In 1972, the Crawfords opened the ABC Kiddie Shop in the Hays Mall and later sold the store in 1978. After his retirement, Royce and Marilyn moved to Salina. Royce was a charter member of the Hays Arts Council, a member of the Lions Club in Hays, St. John's Lutheran Church in Salina and the Salina Coin Club.

Royce was an avid hunter and fisherman, treating his family to many wild delicacies, including venison and a variety of fish and fowl. His Labrador retrievers were always by his side. He loved nature and shared his passions for wildlife, gardening and planting trees for the future generations. Royce taught his girls how to be self-sufficient with lessons on changing a tire, checking the oil level in a car and to never leave home without a full tank of gas and cash in their pocket. Royce loved to solve crossword puzzles, answer "Jeopardy" questions, coin collecting and preferred a motel over camping.

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Royce K. Crawford, 82, of Salina, died Friday, June 28, 2013, at his home. He was born June 16, 1931, in Lincoln, the son of Max L. and Vera M. (Dahl) Crawford.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949 and attended Kansas State University when he was called to service with the U.S. Army in 1952. After the Korean War ended, he returned home and married Marilyn J. Mooneyham in 1955. Royce finished his education at Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia, graduating with a degree in business. As a young man, Royce worked on the Crawford Ranch and managed the farm business until his death. He worked for the Social Security Administration as a field representative in Jefferson City, Mo., and then was transferred to Hays, where he raised his family. Royce appeared regularly on the local news station to answer questions on Social Security topics. This made him a star with the "silver" generation as he was frequently approached while out in the community. In 1972, the Crawfords opened the ABC Kiddie Shop in the Hays Mall and later sold the store in 1978. After his retirement, Royce and Marilyn moved to Salina. Royce was a charter member of the Hays Arts Council, a member of the Lions Club in Hays, St. John's Lutheran Church in Salina and the Salina Coin Club.

Royce was an avid hunter and fisherman, treating his family to many wild delicacies, including venison and a variety of fish and fowl. His Labrador retrievers were always by his side. He loved nature and shared his passions for wildlife, gardening and planting trees for the future generations. Royce taught his girls how to be self-sufficient with lessons on changing a tire, checking the oil level in a car and to never leave home without a full tank of gas and cash in their pocket. Royce loved to solve crossword puzzles, answer "Jeopardy" questions, coin collecting and preferred a motel over camping.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth Roger Crawford.

He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and girls. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at St. John's Lutheran Church. A graveside memorial will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln.